The archaeological complex of Puca Pucara is a military construction located near the city of Cusco at about 7 kilometers and 3850 meters above sea level.
Puca Pucara: The Strategic Fortress of the Incas
Known as the Fortress of the Incas, it receives the Quechua name of “Red Fortress” due to the red color that the rocks acquire during the sunset.
History of Puca Pucara
Its construction was preceded by a culture previous to the Incas, Puca Pucara is one of the main archaeological enclosures, because it is located on an elevated platform was given the name of Fortress, there is still no evidence of what could be as a place or fortress Inca military defense, was in the government of Pachacutec that infrastructure was improved.
As there is no evidence of armed clashes, it is believed that Puca Pucara had places for the settlement of soldiers, when the Inca had to visit the baths of Tambomachay, his retinue of soldiers stayed in Puca Pucara.
It could be Tambo or place of rest, the tambos were places of temporary lodging of rest, they contained diverse places of supply, located next to an important road used by state personnel.
Architecture of Puca Pucara
Composed of large walls, terraces and staircases part of the defensive set of the Inca empire, which make the urban layout is adequate and functional, made of limestone-based structure of the place, all joined with great precision, of different sizes, making them resistant to various seismic movements, this archaeological complex has three walls that have 3 floors iregular (3 levels).
First Level: This first level continues for a walling of compound form, the wall has a sinuous layout that avoids to cut the salient rocks, conformed by walls conditioned to the outcrop of limestone rock, towards the north and behind the outer wall you can find 6 rooms of different sizes, constructed of irregular form not to touch the rocks that create the wall, located in the inferior part.
Second Level: We consider as starting point the existing access opening in the first wall that gives to 3 semicircular enclosures Between this and the first one there are platforms that are very wide, in this second level we can find andenería and gardens that look to the south, to the east are 3 rooms with trapezoidal plants and a rectangular one, we also find a kind of passage called “Cave”, to which rises by a slope with three steps between enclosure and enclosure is very small free spaces.
Third Level: this level is located at the highest point, comprises a semicircular structure, this upper part is basically, you can not see Inca remains due to the passage of time, however you can have an incredible view of the whole place.
Strategic Design
Pucapucara has a strategic design, composed of terraces and stone walls that adapt to the mountainous terrain, its layout allows optimal control of the surrounding area, maximizing defense and surveillance.
Key Elements
The element used in the construction of the Puca Pucara Archaeological Park was limestone and andesite, which are typical of the site.
Strategic and Cultural Significance of Puca Pucara
The location of the Puca Pucara Archaeological Complex was key to controlling access to Cusco and the surrounding regions. From there, the Inca Trail leading to the city, as well as other important routes, could be observed. In addition, the fortress was located at a point from which the valley and the nearby mountains could be seen, which allowed the soldiers to spot any possible threat early on.
How to Get to the Puca Pucara Archaeological Complex
The archaeological complex of Puca Pucara is located at the top of the road leading to Pisac, about 7 kilometers from the city of Cusco, you can get there by taking a private car that will take you 20 minutes from the center of the city, or buses and walking from the center of the city can take you 1:40 minutes or more depending on the pace of walking.
Hours and Prices
Visiting hours are from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 am to 17:30 pm.
The entrance ticket to Puca Pucara is included in the Tourist Ticket.
Foreign Tourist Ticket: S/. 130.00 soles allows you to enter 16 places and is valid for 10 days, or the Partial Tourist Ticket S/. 70.00 soles allows you to visit 4 places including the Archaeological Park of Puca Pucara.
Ticket for National Tourist: S/ 70.00 soles allows you to enter 16 places and is valid for 10 days, or the Partial Tourist Ticket S/ 40.00 soles allows you to visit 4 places including the Archaeological Park of Puca Pucara.
Visiting Tips
To Visit the Archaeological Park of Puca Pucara:
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (General or partial).
- Identity card.
- Comfortable shoes, ideal for walking.
- Hat, sun hat, sun block lotion.
- Camera.
- Water.
What to See Near Puca Pucara
Nearby and a few steps from Puca Pucara is the Tambomachay Archaeological Complex, as well as the Qenqo Inca Temple and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress.
